Sharjah Ruler Opens Centre For Arabic Studies At University Of Coimbra In Portugal

In a significant gesture of fostering cultural and academic ties, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Centre for Arabic Studies at the University of Coimbra, Portugal.

The ceremony also saw the unveiling of the Joanina Digital Library, a landmark initiative supported by Sharjah in collaboration with the University. The library was further enriched with the gifting of the Barbosa manuscript from 1565, a rare historical document that has been absent from public view for a century until its acquisition in 2012 by His Highness.

Following the opening, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan embarked on a tour of the newly inaugurated Centre for Arabic Studies, examining its services, resources, and programmes designed to enhance Arabic language education. The centre, marked for its significance with a commemorative plaque, stands as a testament to the commitment towards promoting Arabic studies abroad.

In his speech at the historic Joanina Library of the University of Coimbra, His Highness praised the institution that had honored him with an honorary doctorate seven years prior. He highlighted the intricate historical ties between the Gulf region and Portuguese history, emphasising the Barbosa manuscript's pivotal role in shedding light on the Gulf's history.

"When I decided to release this book, I was not seeking historical proof alone, but true fairness for our people, and the restoration of their narrative as seen by a contemporary witness — making it a firm foundation for building relations among nations," he remarked.

This initiative further cements the growing relationship between Portugal and Sharjah, as pointed out by Amílcar Falcão, Rector of the University of Coimbra. He lauded the collaborative effort in developing the project with the SBA, showcasing the importance of international partnerships.

The "Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Collection" within the Joanina Digital Library stands as a valuable asset for researchers in various fields, signifying the dedication to advancing knowledge through shared resources.

The ceremony featured His Highness signing copies of "A Momentous Journey," a scholarly exploration of the Barbosa manuscript. This document is a crucial piece of history, offering a 16th-century perspective on the early encounters between the Gulf region and Portugal. His Highness's gesture of donating the original manuscript to the library underscores the importance of preserving and disseminating historical narratives.

Concluding the event, His Highness took a tour of the Joanina Library, admiring its rare manuscripts and learning about the efforts to preserve its invaluable collection. This visit underlined the shared commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting academic research.

The partnership between Sharjah and the University of Coimbra, through initiatives like the Centre for Arabic Studies and the Joanina Digital Library, highlights the power of international cooperation in enriching cultural and academic landscapes. This collaboration not only bridges geographical distances but also brings together diverse historical narratives, fostering a deeper understanding across cultures.